Best of the best

Asserts that a manufacturing strategy can provide more than reduced production costs. Contends that, effectively implemented, it will prove a competitive weapon to ensure company growth and improve customer related performance. Discusses how five of Britain′s top factories have been successful in achieving this goal, thus remaining competitive with the world′s best. Asserts that TQM has been a major element in all the companies′ strategies. Concludes that defining culture change is hard but common to all five companies was the way they aimed to be the best. Asserts that companies must introduce culture change before facing annihilation by the competition.